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ATLANTA, GA - The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has released the results of an exposure investigation that measured the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in residents of Lawrence, Morgan, and Limestone Counties in Alabama who may have been exposed to PFAS in drinking water.

PFAS are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Scientists continue to investigate how exposure to PFAS affects human health.

In January and February 2016, ATSDR collected blood and urine samples from 45 people who had participated in the 2010 exposure investigation.

“The investigation provides information to community members about the levels of PFAS in their bodies and how they compare to levels in the general U.S. population,” said Rachel Worley, environmental health scientist with ATSDR. “Participants also learned how their current blood concentrations compare to those measured in 2010.”

ATSDR staff will be available to answer questions about the results of the exposure investigation at a public availability and poster session on December 6, 2016, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Moulton Recreation Center, 13550 Court Street, Moulton, AL. Residents can stop by anytime during these hours to meet scientists, ask questions, and discuss their concerns about potential exposure.

A media availability session will be held at the same location from 5:00pm to 5:30pm.

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ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the potential for adverse human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment.